Leeds United will be without Willy Gnonto today against Burnley, but fans are frustrated at another development regarding the winger.
Willy Gnonto has one assist so far for Leeds United this season, which came in the Carabao Cup clash with Sheffield Wednesday. It’s been somewhat of a stop-start beginning to the season for the Italian.
Injuries have piled up for Leeds so far in 2025/26, and one of the latest updates from Daniel Farke is that Gnonto has required hernia surgery after recovering from his calf problem recently.
It’s frustrating for the 21-year-old, who could well have nailed down a starting role in the meantime. That’s because the end of Leeds’ transfer window helps Gnonto regarding his place in the pecking order.
Leeds fans can’t believe what Simon Rix said about Willy Gnonto
Despite the club’s attempts, no other wide forward was brought in. Largie Ramazani departed, Noah Okafor came in, Brenden Aaronson has been shifted wide, and Jack Harrison is back from his loan with Everton.
Even with those options, Okafor and Gnonto’s injuries have fans in disbelief, especially with Dan James only just returning to fitness from a recent problem of his own. It leaves them short for today’s game, and possibly West Ham United on Friday as well.
Simon Rix of Kaiser Chiefs made the claim that he doesn’t mind the fact Gnonto is injured, with Leeds fans replying to the clip on X (formerly Twitter) in their droves.
Most fans would argue Gnonto is a part of Leeds’ best XI, with another fan adding: “What a braindead take, our second best winger.”
Another Leeds fan said: “Do these guys ever have a good take Gnonto is our 2nd best winger.”
Another explained his feelings about Leeds’ best wingers, stating: “1.Okafor 2.Gnonto 3.James 4.Aaronson 5.Harrison #LUFC”
It may shock some to know Gnonto is one of Farke’s highest appearance makers. His consistency may have some question marks, but he is a match-winner when at his best.
Julien Laurens verdict on Gnonto and Okafor for Leeds
Gary Neville has criticised Gnonto this season but he and Okafor could be a strong pairing out wide. The Italian can be utilised off both flanks, while Okafor is more of a specialist left-winger.
French journalist and transfer expert Julien Laurens has compared Okafor and Gnonto previously. Speaking before the campaign began, he said: “Okafor is a good player.
“He was very good in Austria but things didn’t work out in Milan or Napoli. He needs to relaunch his career, and he’s got the qualities to play in the Premier League.
“I thought Gnonto was quite good, certainly good enough in that Everton game. Dan James was good on the right. So I’m not quite sure if Okafor replaces one of them. But he will bring energy, goals and pace.”
It’s fair to say that he has displaced both players, but Gnonto or James with Okafor could be the way forward. Unfortunately, any of them starting today is highly improbable.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
